lie in wait

• Esconder-se e ficar em silêncio, esperando o momento certo para atacar, capturar ou surpreender alguém ou algo.

To hide and stay quiet, waiting for the right moment to attack, catch, or surprise someone or something.

1. Ambush or hideB2formal

   To hide and wait for someone or something, usually to attack or surprise them.

   Ficar à espreita

   • The hunters lay in wait for the deer.
   • The soldiers lay in wait for the enemy convoy.
   • The cat lay in wait for the mouse to come out of its hole.

2. Be imminent or hiddenC1formal

   To be present but hidden, often referring to danger or problems that are not yet obvious.

   À espreita

   • Many dangers lie in wait for inexperienced travelers.
   • Unknown challenges lie in wait for the new team.
   • A surprise lay in wait for her when she opened the door.